Now keep as close as you can so as to steady him if I
trip. Straight ahead--run for it!"
They sprang directly into the lurid flames, bending low, Brant's hands
grasping the inert form lying across his shoulder. They dashed
stumbling through the black, smouldering lane beyond. Half-way down
this, the ground yet hot beneath their feet, the vapor stifling, but
with clearer breaths of air blowing in their faces, Brant tripped and
fell. Mason beat out the smouldering sparks in his clothing, and
assisted him to stagger to his feet once more. Then together they bore
him, now unconscious, slowly down below the first fire-line.
[Illustration: Together they bore him, now unconscious, slowly down
below the first fire-line.]
CHAPTER XV
THE DOOR CLOSES
Totally exhausted, the two men dropped their heavy burden on the earth.
Mason swore as the blood began dripping again from his wound, which had
been torn open afresh in his efforts to bear Hampton to safety. Just
below them a mounted trooper caught sight of them and came forward. He
failed to recognize his officer in the begrimed person before him,
until called to attention by the voice of command.
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